Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Vehicle Inspection Stations Offline Today

Due to a systems outage, the safety and emissions stations will not be able to inspect vehicles today, March 31, 2021. Law enforcement has been notified that inspections are unable to take place and to give consideration due on April 1, 2021. 

 

 



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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Governor Charlie Baker's Briefing Today

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, MEMA Director Samantha Phillips, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Stephen Lynch, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, FEMA Administrator Robert Fenton and other local leaders to tour the FEMA mass vaccination site at the Hynes Convention Center. A live stream of the Governor's briefing will be available at my Facebook page - check www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr at about 1:30.

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At Passover

I would like to wish all of my Jewish friends and constituents a happy and joyous holiday. Even if you can't be in the company of family and loved ones, I wish you, and them, peace, happiness, and wellness. Chag Sameach!

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Thursday, March 25, 2021

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement Project Virtual Public Update Meeting

As a reminder, the MBTA invites you to a virtual public update meeting for the Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement Project, hosted on Zoom. 

Tuesday, March 30 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

The MBTA Capital Delivery Department will present a construction update for the replacement of the Gloucester Drawbridge. The bridge carries commuter rail service for the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River between the West Gloucester and Gloucester Stations. The existing bridge was built in 1911, reconstructed in 1932, and updated in 1984. It is being replaced as a part of the MBTA's reliability and modernization program. The MBTA suspended service across the bridge in April 2020 due to unforeseen site conditions. Replacement bus shuttles currently serve the last three stations on the line.

To protect the health of the project team and meeting attendees, this meeting will be hosted online, using Zoom. The meeting will allow time for Questions + Answers. We encourage you to attend this meeting, ask questions and provide feedback.

Details on how to join are now available on the project event page.

The presentation will be posted on the website (www.MBTA.com/GloucesterDraw) in advance of the meeting to give people who attend by phone an opportunity to review the presentation. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the website for those who cannot attend. The MBTA will also accept comments at the project email address listed below.

If accommodations, such as closed captioning or language interpretation, are needed or for other inquiries and comments related to the project, please email GloucesterDraw@MBTA.com. For more information about the project visit www.MBTA.com/GloucesterDraw

 



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Baker-Polito Administration Provides Weekly Dose Updates, $100 Million for Disproportionately Impacted Communities, Announces Homebound Vaccination Program

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the weekly distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses to providers across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has received 330,000 first and second doses from the federal government as part of the state allocation of doses.   

The Administration also announced $100 million in funding for four communities – Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph – that are all designated hardest hit communities but received disproportionately smaller levels of federal funding in the recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act compared to other communities.   The Administration also announced the launch of the Commonwealth’s homebound vaccination program to build on the Administration’s efforts to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth have equitable access to the vaccine.  

Dose Update  

The Administration provided the weekly update for doses allocated from the federal government.  

This week, the state received a modest increase in supply of first doses, for a total of 172,000. This includes 7,900 doses of J&J vaccine.  

In total, the Commonwealth received 330,000 first and second doses as part of the state allocation. These figures do not include doses provided directly from the federal government to the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program or to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).  

This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as follows:

  • Health systems and health care providers (excluding community health centers): 115,120

• Mass vaccination locations: 109,750 

• Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 55,850 

• Community Health Centers: 28,820 

• Retail pharmacies (non-CVS) state allocation: 10,350 

• Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior housing and homebound individuals: 9,800  

Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance thresholds.  

The Administration has also been informed that the federal government will send a one-time allocation of 40,800 doses of J&J vaccine to the Commonwealth next week as well as a one-time allocation of 20,000 Pfizer first doses.  

Federal Doses:  

In addition to the state allocation, the federal government distributes vaccines to CVS Health sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally qualified community health centers. These quantities fluctuate on a weekly basis and are not counted as part of the state’s weekly allocation.  

This week, 115,800 first and second doses were allocated to the retail pharmacy program.  

15 FQHCs received 24,570 doses directly from the Federal Government.  

Municipal Funding  

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that a total of $100 million in aid will be distributed to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen, and Randolph, four communities that were hit hardest by COVID-19 but are expected to receive disproportionally smaller amounts of federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These four municipalities will be able to use this $100 million in direct aid to support costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct response efforts, addressing negative economic impacts, replacing revenue lost during the pandemic, making investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, as well as other eligible expenditures.


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Next at 10:30 AM: Governor Charlie Baker’s COVID-19 Briefing for Thursday, March 25

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will be joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders to provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination. A live stream from Gardner Auditorium at the State House will be available at my Facebook page www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr.


 


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Monday, March 22, 2021

Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project Updates from Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Construction Look-Ahead: March 21, 2021 – April 03, 2021

This is a brief overview of construction operations and traffic impacts for the Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project. MassDOT will provide additional notices as needed for high-impact work, temporary ramp and street closures, and changes to traffic configurations beyond those described below. 

ROUTE 1 TRAFFIC IMPACTS ROUTE 1 NORTHBOUND: Approaching the Tobin Bridge from Boston, the work zone begins in the right lane. 2 of 3 travel lanes will be open during daytime hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m.). Nighttime lane reduction to one lane scheduled for Thursday, 3/25, and Friday, 3/26 (10 p.m. – 5 a.m.)

ROUTE 1 SOUTHBOUND: Approaching the Chelsea Curves from the North Shore, the work zone is in the median. All 3 travel lanes are open during the daytime hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m.). Daytime lane reduction to two lanes scheduled for Monday, 3/22, Tuesday, 3/23, and Wednesday, 3/24 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m).

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES-

FIFTH STREET: On Monday, 3/26, Fifth Street will be closed during the daytime from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ORANGE STREET: On Monday, 3/26, Orange Street will be closed during the daytime from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ARLINGTON STREET: On Tuesday, 3/27, Arlington Street will be closed during the daytime from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WORK HOURS

Most work will occur during daytime working hours (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) on weekdays. Some work will take place on a 2nd shift (2 p.m. – 1 a.m.) and overnight hours (9 p.m. – 5 a.m.) and on Saturdays (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.).

DESCRIPTION OF SCHEDULED WORK

ROUTE 1 NORTHBOUND: Placement of bridge barrier and installation of final highway lighting will continue through the Chelsea Curves.

ROUTE 1 SOUTHBOUND: Completion of bridge superstructure and installation Fire Standpipe System will continue through the Chelsea Curves. For more information about the Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project, please visit the project website https://www.mass.gov/tobin-bridgechelsea-curves-rehabilitation-project.


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Sunday, March 21, 2021

Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on Monday

The Baker Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts also continues to be a national leader in vaccination rates. The Administration also replaced the Massachusetts Travel Order originally issued in July 2020 with a Travel Advisory, effective March 22. 

Phase IV, Step 1 and Gathering Changes: On March 1, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions for several industries and advanced to Step 2 of Phase III of the reopening plan. Since then, hospitalizations dropped by 20% and deaths dropped by 24%. The seven day average of new cases in long-term care facilities dropped by 53%. The positive test rate remains below 2% and has been for several weeks now. The seven day average of new cases is also down over this time by 7%.

Effective Monday, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

Indoor and outdoor stadiums

* Arenas

* Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

Travel Order:

* Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory.

* The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

* Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours.

* Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.

Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.

Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms).

Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.


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Saturday, March 20, 2021

Happy Spring

It's the hottest temperature of the day and the best time to wish you a welcome first day of Spring.


 


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Friday, March 19, 2021

The 2021 Economic Impact Payments Are On The Way

The Internal Revenue Service is sending the 2021 Economic Impact Payments in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 2021. 

To check when and how your 2021 payment was sent use the "Get My Payment" link https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment


 


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Thursday, March 18, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Phase IV of Reopening Plan

Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV on March 22; Replaces Travel Order with Travel Advisory 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on Monday, March 22. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts also continues to be a national leader in vaccination rates. The Administration also replaced the Massachusetts Travel Order originally issued in July 2020 with a Travel Advisory, effective March 22.

In addition, the Administration also announced nearly $31 million in awards to 710 additional small businesses in the tenth round of COVID-19 relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC).

Phase IV, Step 1 and Gathering Changes:

On March 1, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions for several industries and advanced to Step 2 of Phase III of the reopening plan. Since then, hospitalizations dropped by 20% and deaths dropped by 24%. The seven day average of new cases in long-term care facilities dropped by 53%. The positive test rate remains below 2% and has been for several weeks now. The seven day average of new cases is also down over this time by 7%.

Effective Monday, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

Indoor and outdoor stadiums

Arenas

Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

Travel Order:

Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory.

The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours.

Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.

Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.

Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms).

Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.

COVID-19 Business Relief Grants:

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced approximately $31 million in awards for 710 additional businesses in the tenth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). As in prior rounds, each grant recipient meets sector or demographic priorities set for the grant programs administered by MGCC.

With the addition of this round of grants, the Administration has awarded over $633 million in direct financial support to 14,056 businesses across the Commonwealth. Grants for this round were awarded to 327 minority-owned, and 293 women-owned, businesses; 240 recipients are located in Gateway Cities, and 245 businesses awarded grants have not received any prior aid.

Additionally, MGCC will soon be announcing the availability of funding to support small business technical assistance and community development financial institutions.


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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Happy Saint Patrick's Day To One And All!



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Massachusetts RMV Expanding Designated Senior Wednesday Appointment Hours to Customers 65 or Older in April Beginning March 24th

RMV customers 65 and older will be able to book in-person transaction appointments during Wednesday senior hours starting April 7th 

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is pleased to announce that it is expanding designated Wednesday in-person appointment hours for seniors from those 75 years of age or older to those 65 years of age or older. Beginning March 24, 2021, customers who are 65 years of age or older will be able to book in-person transaction appointments in April during designated Wednesday senior hours online at Mass.Gov/RMV. Services that are available for customers during designated senior hours include driver’s license and ID renewals and registration and title transactions.

Designated senior service hours began on September 2, 2020, to offer customers 75 and older dedicated times and flexibility to conduct their required in-person license or ID renewals while facilitating “social-distancing” protocols to keep customers and staff safe and healthy. Senior appointment hours for license or ID renewals, and registration and title services appointments are offered on Wednesdays at the following 17 RMV Service Center locations (hours vary by location): Brockton, Danvers, Fall River, Greenfield, Lawrence, Leominster, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Adams, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Revere, South Yarmouth, Springfield, Watertown, and Worcester.

Below are the options for anyone 65 years of age or older to schedule in-person appointments during designated service hours:

● If you are a AAA member, you may make a reservation now to renew your driver’s license/ID or conduct certain other transactions at a AAA location. Visit aaa.com/appointments to schedule your visit.

● If you are not a AAA member, visit Mass.Gov/RMV to make a reservation to renew or conduct most other transactions at an RMV Service Center. Visit the Make/Cancel a Reservation transaction tab in the myRMV Service Center and select “Senior Transaction” for all available RMV transactions. Reservations can be booked two weeks in advance.

● Email the RMV for assistance: MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us.

● Call the RMV at 857-368-8005.

General appointments for license and ID renewals or registration and title transactions, as well as other essential in-person needs including drop-off registration and title services, are available to all customers at select locations throughout the business week. Additional information on RMV service offerings and appointments can be found at www.Mass.Gov/RMV, including more than 40 transactions that can be conducted online, by mail, or by phone. The RMV recommends that all customers get ready online before their appointment.

Anyone conducting in-person business at an RMV customer service location must wear a face-covering and will continue to be served by appointment only. Appointments for many RMV transactions can also be made at AAA customer locations if the customer is a member of AAA.


 


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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Postpartum Depression Impacts Families Deeply

1 in 7 pregnant and new mothers experience depression or anxiety. 1 in 10 new fathers may experience depression or anxiety. That's why I sponsored legislation that created a special legislative commission to address postpartum depression (PPD) in the Commonwealth. 

As a member of this Commission, I want you to know about an upcoming date for a virtual awareness day on May 5th. The Commission is tasked with looking at policy initiatives to address perinatal mental health and promote mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our Commissioners include women who have lived experience with PPD, physicians, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and more. The Commission seeks to improve resources for perinatal mood disorders available to women and their families.


 


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MBTA Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement Project

Virtual Public Update Meeting Tuesday, March 30, 6 to 7:30 PM 

The MBTA invites you to a virtual public update meeting for the Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement Project, hosted on Zoom. The MBTA Capital Delivery Department will present a construction update for the replacement of the Gloucester Drawbridge. The bridge carries commuter rail service for the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River between the West Gloucester and Gloucester Stations. The existing bridge was built in 1911, reconstructed in 1932, and updated in 1984. It is being replaced as a part of the MBTA's reliability and modernization program. The MBTA suspended service across the bridge in April 2020 due to unforeseen site conditions. Replacement bus shuttles currently serve the last three stations on the line.

To protect the health of the project team and meeting attendees, this meeting will be hosted online, using Zoom. The meeting will allow time for Questions + Answers. We encourage you to attend this meeting, ask questions and provide feedback. Details on how to join and participate in the meeting will be posted on the project website and provided to the project email list in advance. Details on how to join and participate in the meeting will be posted on the project event page prior to the meeting, and sent to the project mailing list.

The presentation will be posted on the website www.MBTA.com/GloucesterDraw in advance of the meeting to give people who can only attend by phone an opportunity to review the presentation. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the website for those who cannot attend. The MBTA will also accept comments at the project email address listed below.

If accommodations are needed such as closed captioning or language interpretation, or for other inquiries and comments related to the project, please email GloucesterDraw@MBTA.com. For more information about the project visit www.MBTA.com/GloucesterDraw


 


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Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Cape Ann Museum's Tribute to Pandemic Victims With Memorial Ceremony Tonight

I will be participating in-person today from the Cape Ann Museum for a streamed memorial for those we have lost in the one year since the declared state of emergency. The Museum has created a temporary art installation to pay tribute to the more than 2,000 people from Essex County who died from the deadly coronavirus. 

Please join us virtually at 6PM. Visit the Museum's page for the schedule. You are invited to come see the memorial in person through reserved, free entrance from Thursday, Mar 11 – Sun Mar 14. www.capeannmuseum.org/


 


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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Preregistration System for Mass Vaccination Locations to Launch Friday, Updates on Dose Distribution in the Commonwealth & Designated Vaccine Clinic Days for K-12 Educators, Staff & Child Care Workers

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new preregistration signup tool will be available for the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites starting Friday, March 12. The new system will make it easier to request and book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at a nearby location when they are available. More sites will be added to the preregistration system in the coming weeks. When preregistration launches on Friday, it will replace the current booking platforms for mass vaccination sites for online booking. The COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line will be available to help residents without internet access or with difficulty using the internet with the preregistration process. 

The Administration also announced the weekly distribution of vaccine doses statewide for different providers, reminding residents that there are 170 public vaccination sites statewide in addition to health systems that are offering appointments to their patients.

More information on vaccine sites can be found at: vaxfinder.mass.gov

The Administration also announced four dedicated educator days at mass vaccination sites and updates on vaccine distribution channels.

Preregistration System

Partnering with the Google Cloud Team, the Administration will launch a preregistration system for mass vaccination sites only starting Friday, March 12. This tool will be available at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Preregistration will allow eligible residents to book an appointment at one of the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites.

Details on the Preregistration Process:

Eligible residents will complete the online form at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to request to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site nearby.

After completing the form, residents will get a confirmation via their preferred method of contact (text, e-mail, phone) and receive a weekly update about their status. Residents may opt out of their preregistration at any time if they secure an appointment elsewhere.

When an appointment becomes available at a mass vaccination site, the resident will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the appointment once it is offered to them. If an appointment is not accepted after 24 hours, the resident will go back into the queue to wait for another appointment.

To accommodate older residents and others who are unable to use the form, the preregistration form allows family members, caregivers or other companions to fill out the form on behalf of someone else. Residents who do not have internet access or someone to fill the form out for them can call 2-1-1 to preregister.

Available appointments will be offered to residents based on their vaccine eligibility and the availability of appointments at mass vaccination sites nearby. Initially, this program is only for the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites. More sites will be added to the pre-registration system in April.

Massachusetts receives a very limited supply of vaccine from the federal government each week. Due to high demand and limited supply, there are only a small number of appointments for eligible residents. Given the limited number of available appointments due to constraints on vaccine supply, it could take several weeks for eligible, preregistered residents to receive a notification about an available appointment.

In addition to preregistering for a mass vaccination appointment, eligible residents are encouraged to book vaccine appointments at any of the 170 public vaccine sites across the Commonwealth. The state has also allocated a supply of doses to certain health care providers, hospitals and community health centers that will provide instructions to their patients on their vaccine process.

Once the preregistration system is launched on Friday, March 12, it will replace the weekly appointment release on Thursdays for mass vaccination sites only. Eligible residents will need to preregister online or contact the call center to request an appointment for a mass vaccination site.

The preregistration system will not impact this week’s appointment release on Thursday, March 11 for mass vaccination sites. Residents should follow the usual process on March 11 to secure an appointment as a mass vaccination site.

Other Ways to Access a Vaccine Appointment:

v Eligible residents are encouraged to look for appointments at any of the state’s 170 public vaccine sites by searching vaxfinder.mass.gov.


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Governor Baker Up Next:

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Shawmut Corporation CEO James Wyner, and Fallon Company CEO Joe Fallon will provide a briefing after touring an N-95 mask manufacturing facility operated by the Shawmut Corporation and Fallon Company, and provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination. 

A live stream will be available at my Facebook page shortly after 11 AM. https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr


 


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Monday, March 8, 2021

Happy Women's Day to all, we celebrate your achievements and contributions here in Massachusetts and around the world. You shine not just today but every day.


 


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Saturday, March 6, 2021

Feds Must Send More Vaccine To Protect Public Health

For 18 days out of 45, Massachusetts received 5,000 daily doses or fewer from the federal government. They need to give us the resources we need to match the capacity we've built to serve our people. 

#COVID19MA #VACCINE

 



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Friday, March 5, 2021

MassDOT Advisory Update: Wilmington

Weekend Right Lane Closures on Interstate 93 Southbound for Bridge Repairs 

Closures will take place from 8 p.m. tonight, March 5, through 4 a.m. on Monday, March 8

Drivers in this area should seek alternate routes during this time

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be implementing temporary weekend closures of the two right travel lanes on Interstate 93 southbound near exit 41 (Route 125) in Wilmington. The right travel lanes will be closed from 8:00 p.m. tonight, March 5, until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, to allow work crews to continue repairs to a damaged beam on the bridge carrying Route 125 over Interstate 93. Permanent repairs to the beam will be scheduled for a later date.

In addition, the right lane on Route 125 westbound and the on-ramp from Route 125 to Interstate 93 southbound which have been recently closed are scheduled to reopen by 4:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8. Closures have been in place to facilitate repairs to the northern fascia beam on the Route 125 Bridge over Interstate 93 that was struck and damaged by an over-height trash hauler truck on February 10, 2021.

Drivers who are traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

v For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to: Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions. Visit www.mass511.com, a website that provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions. Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions..


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MCAS Testing Dates

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has selected May 10 to June 11 for testing students in grades three through five. Dates for students in grades six, seven, and eight are still to be determined. MCAS tests were canceled last year because of the sudden transition to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said today he will work towards a phased approach for school-based learning with the goal of getting students back into classrooms by the end of this school year. 


 


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State Lawmakers Call For Swift Action On Paycheck Protection Program And Unemployment Insurance Bills To Provide Financial Relief To Small Businesses

My colleague House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and I have submitted two letters to House and Senate leadership on March 4. We received the support of a bipartisan group of legislators from both branches, One letter expresses support for House Bill 55, an Unemployment Insurance rate freeze proposal filed by Governor Charlie Baker, while the other calls for the passage of four bills that would create a state tax exemption for PPP loans. The letters were addressed to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues. 

Here is a press release that Leader Jones and I distributed today: 

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr are leading efforts to call on House and Senate leadership to act quickly to pass legislation that will assist the state’s employers who are continuing to struggle financially during the ongoing global pandemic.

Several dozen legislators are urging the adoption of an Unemployment Insurance rate freeze, along with a change in the state’s tax laws to protect businesses from being taxed for loans they secured through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Initiated by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, two letters were submitted to House and Senate leadership on March 4 and signed by a bipartisan group of legislators from both branches, One letter expresses support for House Bill 55, an Unemployment Insurance rate freeze proposal filed by Governor Charlie Baker, while the other calls for the passage of four bills that would create a state tax exemption for PPP loans. The letters were addressed to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues.

House Bill 55 would freeze the experience rate for employers at Schedule “E” for calendar years 2021 and 2022. Without legislative action, employers will be facing a significant rate increase that would see their unemployment insurance taxes jump from $539 to $858 per worker this year, with additional incremental increases taking effect in subsequent years.

"Employers across our Commonwealth are struggling for survival against the monumental weight of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we can't afford to lose the jobs and the vitality they bring to our economy. State government should leave no stone unturned in supporting their recovery and rebuilding," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "I am pleased to join with Minority Leader Jones and my House and Senate colleagues because we know vulnerable businesses can't afford large increases in the cost of unemployment insurance or more taxes because they got help from the federal government to keep going through the pandemic. We have two legislative measures we can act on right now to prevent these burdens, and we should do so immediately."

Noting that “Massachusetts has seen a steady drop in unemployment following a long-term period of double-digit unemployment numbers” as more individuals have been able to return to work, legislators warned that “the scheduled experience rate increase of 60% in unemployment taxes, which will take place in just a few weeks, threatens to sabotage this progress,” and would have a “dire financial impact” on employers.

“If enacted, Governor Baker’s bill will provide timely relief for Massachusetts businesses by freezing this scheduled rate increase, while also ensuring the positive solvency of the Unemployment Trust Fund through bonding,” legislators wrote.

In addition to supporting Governor Baker’s proposal, the lawmakers are also backing legislation to exempt forgiven PPP loans from the state income tax. The letter cites four bills that have been filed to accomplish this goal, including HD484 (filed by Representative Jones and Representative Michael Soter), HD1338 (filed by Representative Brian Murray), HD1965 (filed by Representative Steven Xiarhos), and SD172 (filed by Senator Eric Lesser).

Section 1106 of Public Law No. 116-136, the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provides loan forgiveness to small businesses for certain loans made pursuant to the PPP under the Small Business Act. Under the Act, any amount of canceled debt associated with the PPP loan that would otherwise be includable in the gross income of the borrower under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for federal income tax purposes is excluded from gross income.

Members noted that Massachusetts’ corporate tax code conforms with federal tax laws, but that isn’t the case with the state’s personal income tax code. As a result, many independent contractors, restaurants and small businesses will have to collectively pay an estimated $150 million in state taxes on their PPP loans unless the law is changed.

“If business owners had been aware of this tax, they may have budgeted for the cost of state taxes or chosen to forgo receiving a loan,” legislators wrote, adding that business owners have expressed concerns the tax liability “will create further financial hardship for them.”

“Clearly, the intent of the Paycheck Protection Program was for the loans to be forgiven, and taxing them would go against the original intent of the program,” legislators wrote. “We believe that it is crucial to take action prior to March 15th to ensure that these loans are not subject to state taxes, and to provide certainty for small business owners.”



 


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Thursday, March 4, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Nearly $40 Million in Grants to 1,026 Additional Businesses for COVID Relief

Latest round increases total direct financial support to more than $602 million awarded to 13,346 businesses 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced approximately $39.7 million in awards for 1,026 additional businesses in the ninth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). As in prior rounds, each grant recipient meets sector and demographic priorities set for the two grant programs administered by MGCC.

With the addition of this round of grants, the Administration has awarded over $602 million in direct financial support to 13,346 businesses across the Commonwealth.

“Our administration is pleased to award this latest round of direct financial support to 1,026 additional businesses hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As the largest program of its kind in the nation, we are proud that Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation grants have now reached 13,346 businesses across the Commonwealth.”

“Recognizing the significant challenges the pandemic has created for businesses throughout Massachusetts, we are glad to provide this continued support as we work toward recovery,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is grateful to MGCC for their partnership and hard work administering this grant program, ensuring these critical resources go directly to the businesses that serve the communities and neighborhoods in greatest need.”

As announced last month, MGCC has also begun engaging directly with applicants that met sector and demographic priorities, but were missing documents necessary to be considered for an award.

“Understanding how important this grant program is to our strategy for economic recovery, it is critical to work closely with businesses to ensure anyone who applied and was eligible for an award can receive it,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy. “I want to express my deep gratitude to the team at MGCC for their diligence in working with program applicants seeking support. Thanks to their efforts, grant recipients for this round and the prior round are comprised entirely of eligible applicants who were able to provide all the necessary documentation to receive an award.”

Among the sectors that received the highest total number of grants this round are: restaurants, bars, caterers, or food trucks (280); personal services businesses (207); and independent retailers (153).

Additionally, grants for this round were awarded to 295 minority-owned, and 406 women-owned, businesses; 295 recipients are located in Gateway Cities, and 329 businesses awarded grants have not received any prior aid.

With public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction, including a decline in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations, and as vaccination rates continue to increase, the Administration is taking steps to gradually reopen the Commonwealth’s economy. On Monday, March 1, 2021, the Commonwealth advanced to Step 2 of Phase III of the Administration’s reopening plan. In addition, the Administration also recently announced its plan to transition to Step 1 of Phase IV on Monday, March 22, provided that public health metrics continue to improve. 


 


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Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Gov in Gloucester

The Grace Center of Gloucester was an important focus of the day and a visit by Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was much appreciated. The Grace Center is an invaluable resource center for the homeless and underserved including older or disabled adults, isolated community members, and people at high risk of or currently in crisis. 

The Gloucester House Restaurant, through great generosity, has transformed its function hall into the temporary hub for the Grace Center and the people they support.




 


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Baker-Polito Administration Announces K-12 Educators, Child Care Workers and K-12 School Staff Eligible for Vaccine Appointments Starting March 11th & Vaccine Appointment Availability for Next Week

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that K-12 educators, child care workers and K-12 school staff will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments starting March 11th. 

This group of workers will join the current eligible groups (including 65+ and individuals with 2+ certain medical conditions).

The Administration also released details on available appointments for the upcoming week.

Teacher Vaccines

Beginning March 11th, all K-12 educators, child care workers and K-12 school staff will be eligible to schedule appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Educators may book appointments at all 170 sites currently open to eligible residents in Massachusetts by visiting www.mass.gov/covidvaccinemap.

Additionally, the Command Center will work to designate specific days at the seven mass vaccination sites for educators to get their shots. More details will be released soon.

There are approximately 400,000 K-12 educators, child care workers and K-12 school staff in Massachusetts. Due to a severely constrained federal supply and the existing population that is currently eligible for vaccines, it is estimated that it will take a month for all eligible individuals to secure a first appointment. This timeframe is only subject to change if federal supply increases dramatically, including the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Vaccine Appointments

This week, we anticipate over 250,000 doses will be administered between first and second doses across all providers throughout the Commonwealth.

On Thursday, March 4, 12,000 new first appointments for mass vaccination sites will be made available to eligible groups. Over 45,000 new second dose appointments have also been scheduled at mass vaccination sites.

The number of new appointments (first dose appointments) is less than previous weeks due to the volume of second dose appointments. 7,500 appointments have also been booked by the call center (211) for older adults who were unable to use a computer to book an appointment and required assistance.

As more individuals have received a first vaccine dose across the Commonwealth, there is a greater need to book second appointments, so the mass vaccination sites have fewer first dose appointments available on a weekly basis.

Later next week, a new Regional Collaboration will go live: the Lower Merrimack Valley regional collaboration, to include the City of Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. Details on this collaborative will be on the website at mass.gov/covidvaccinemap next week.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

The COVID-19 Command Center was notified that Massachusetts is receiving only one shipment of 58,000 doses for the month of March. These doses have been allocated – primarily to hospitals and health systems.

Based on information the Commonwealth has received from the federal government, the Administration does not expect to be able to order more J&J doses until the end of March or early April.

While the Commonwealth is receiving limited doses of the J&J vaccine in March, the Administration is continuing to plan for eventual widespread distribution of the J&J vaccine. 




 


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Up Next: Governor Charlie Baker in Gloucester

I am looking forward to having Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Education James Peyser, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, and #Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken take a tour of the West Parish Elementary School in Gloucester. The Governor will make an announcement about COVID-19 vaccinations. A live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr shortly after 19 AM. 

#COVID19MA


 


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